Emerging from Baton Rouge:
The Rise of Lil One The Champ
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has long been a breeding ground for raw talent in the hip-hop scene, and at the forefront of this movement stands Raye Singleton, better known by his stage name, LiL One The Champ. Born on September 22, 1987, Raye’s journey into the realm of rap began at an early age, nurtured by the vibrant musical culture of his hometown.
Infused with the sounds of influential artists such as Dipset, Jay-Z, Scarface, UGK, Outkast, Max Minelli, Hot Boyz, and Master P, LiL One The Champ honed his craft, drawing inspiration from the struggles of his upbringing to fuel his lyrical prowess. Determined to be successful for his single mother and family he translated the struggles of his life into captivating heartfelt hip-hop music. By 1998, at the age of eleven, LiL One The Champ had already begun to make waves in the local music scene, captivating audiences with his heartfelt compositions. As his skills evolved, he caught the attention of notable labels and artists, landing works with Lil Baby, Jason Derulo, Lil Boosie, Z-Ro, Trae the Truth, OMB Peezy, TEC, Waco Tron, MouseOnThaTrack, and others underscoring his growing influence and
versatility as an artist. Throughout his career, LiL One The Champ has showcased his musical prowess through a series of mixtapes and albums, including the critically acclaimed "Loyalty" (January 2015), "Quida Mae" (December 2016), and "Baby Russia" (September 2018). Additionally, his "Jackin4Beats" franchise has garnered widespread acclaim, further cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
Lil One The Champ has not only mastered the art of production but has also proven himself as a formidable lyricist and performer. Formerly signed to Left Lane ENT and Dead Game Records, LiL One The Champ has embarked on a new chapter, founding his own imprint, Nonfiction Music Group, where he now proudly stands as both artist and CEO.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalls starting to write at the age of eleven or twelve, laying the foundation for a career that would span decades. In addition to his musical endeavors, LiL One The Champ also serves as the Co-Owner of Bear Hammer Productions, a dynamic media company.
Supported by his partner, CoCo of Visuals by CoCo, who oversees his visual media needs, and his dedicated team, LiL One The Champ navigates the complexities of fame while prioritizing
his responsibilities as a father. Through his latest work, he embraces a newfound sense of maturity and introspection, showcasing a more elevated side to his artistry.
As he continues to pave his way to greatness, LiL One The Champ remains a testament to the resilience and talent emanating from the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With each verse, he reaffirms his status as a champion of the hip-hop genre, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring aspiring artists to follow in his footsteps.